Greetings Forum members,
Hammock camping is new to me. I decided last year that I needed to get into hiking. So, I spent some time reserching gear. I did the best I could with what little money I had. I have spent so much time watching Youtube videos and reading posts from Whiteblaze.net and Hammockforums.net for advice and ideas. I have learned a lot from all the video posts. So, keep them coming! I believe I've watched every video ever posted by Shug. I feel like I've known him for years.
This past spring I did eight miles on the A.T. Southbound from Newfound Gap to Clingmans Dome. Loved every minute too! Found mucles I didn't know I had. That's when I realized that sleeping on the hard ground wasn't for me. So, I did some more research and discovered that I could be a lot more comfortable with a hammock for less money than a tent. I'm hooked!!!
I also did two nights at Shades State park in Indiana to do a shake down on my gear. At the time I had to use a Blue tarp I had in the garage. Lucky for me no rain!
What I like best about this sport is that you really don't need to spend a lot of money. With some ingenuity you can custom make your own stuff. So, for now my set up includes: ENO Single Nest, ENO Profly with Webbing suspension and I've modified a military poncho liner as an underquilt. Marmot 30 degree synthetic bag. I made my own alcohol stove out of an aluminium water botlle. It works really well with the homemade wind screen. Purchased a Snow Peak mug with lid and Titanium spork. Got a Katydine Pro Hiker filter too. Purchased the proper clothing and stuff everything into a 65L Atmos Osprey pack. Without food or water I'm at 17 Pounds. I'm more geared for fare wheather, no winter camping yet.
Things I want to work on will be my sleeping bag. It's bulky and weighs a bit but it's what I could afford. Also, I want to convert to a Whoopie sling for ease and shave some ounces. Need to come up with a bug net too.
Upcoming trips: My Bucket list is to hike the whole A.T. But, kid, job and wife won't allow at this point in my life. So, smaller trips will have to do for now. Indiana has the Knobstone trail and the Charles Deam. The Superior hiking trail looks fun too! I would like to take part in a Hoosier hang as well. If there are any members in the Indiana area, look me up!
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